The Duke and Duchess of Sussex have faced challenges over the past six years, and a leading royal commentator has said their behaviour since stepping back from senior royal duties has done "considerable damage" to the monarchy.
Queen's last years 'made difficult'
Royal expert Richard Fitzwilliams, speaking exclusively to the Daily Express, highlighted what he called the couple's "greatest sin". He said: "Their greatest sin was to make Queen Elizabeth’s last years difficult ones. Their interview on Oprah, much of which has since been discredited, did considerable damage to the monarchy at a time when Prince Philip, who died the next month, was in hospital."
Mr Fitzwilliams added: "The truth is they have never faced questioning about any of their claims about the Royal Family. They have simply twisted the truth to suit themselves."
Netflix docuseries and Spare memoir
Further trouble for the Royal Family came with the release of the Harry and Meghan docuseries for Netflix, which attracted huge ratings. This was followed by Harry's memoir Spare and the interviews promoting it, with new revelations making headlines around the world.
Published on January 10, 2023, Spare became an instant publishing sensation, selling more than six million copies in print and audio worldwide. Ghostwritten by journalist J.R. Moehringer, it set a Guinness World Record for the fastest-selling nonfiction book of all time. The critical reception was mixed, with some reviewers praising the account but questioning whether Harry went too far in airing his grievances.
Reconciliation obstacles and Andrew's disgrace
Mr Fitzwilliams said: "In normal circumstances, the obstacles to reconciliation would seem surmountable. However, the last five years have been extremely difficult for the Royal Family, because of illness and because of the Sussexes' brutally destructive behaviour as well as Andrew’s disgrace."
Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was stripped of his royal titles last year over his ties to Jeffrey Epstein and allegations of sexual assault. He has consistently denied accusations made by the late Virginia Giuffre in 2021 and settled out of court with her for an undisclosed sum.
